Find Christmas trees and ornaments on the Willamette National Forest

Media Contact: Leslie Garcia

(458)209-7288

[email protected]

https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette

Find Christmas trees and ornaments on the Willamette National Forest

Springfield, Ore., Nov. 21, 2022—It is that time of year to visit the Willamette National Forest and find the perfect Christmas tree and ornament for your home.

Christmas tree permits are available online at Recreation.gov, in person from local vendors, or from one of the Willamette National Forest offices (except for the Detroit Ranger Station). Permits allow the holder to cut one tree in designated areas and each household can purchase up to five permits. Permits are $5 each; online purchases have an additional $2.50 service fee. Visit our website at https://bit.ly/WNFtree for downloadable maps of Christmas Tree cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling Christmas tree permits.

All fourth-grade students can get a free Christmas Tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and then either visiting one of the Willamette National Forest offices (except the Detroit Ranger Station) or Recreation.gov and entering their voucher or pass number when prompted.

While hunting for a tree, you can also hunt for ornaments. The Willamette Valley Visitors Association will launch its fifth annual ornament hunt from Nov. 25 until Dec. 31, 2022. In partnership with Cascade Volunteers, 200 ornaments have been hidden along trails on the Detroit, Sweet Home, McKenzie River, and Middle Fork Ranger Districts in the Willamette National Forest and on the Cottage Grove Ranger District in the Umpqua National Forest. The hunt encourages local communities and travelers to connect with public lands and increase outdoor recreation activities. For more information on the ornament hunt contest and a list of participating trails, visit https://willamettevalley.org/ornament.

Keep safety top of mind and be aware of your surroundings whether looking for a Christmas tree or hunting for ornaments. Cutting trees in some areas of the Willamette National Forest is prohibited; tree hunters should check maps prior to selecting their tree and remain outside of closed areas. Winter weather in the forest can change rapidly. Forest roads are not maintained for winter driving. Forest staff recommend bringing traction devices and a shovel, extra food, drinking water, winter clothing, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Additionally, bring a tool for cutting a tree and a rope or cord to secure it to a vehicle. Tree cutting and travel may take longer than anticipated. Let a friend or family member know where you are going, get an early start, and leave the woods before dark.

 Visit our website at https://bit.ly/WNFtree for a list of local vendors selling Christmas tree permits.

 

 

Leslie W. Garcia (She/Her/Ella)
Public Affairs Specialist

Forest Service

Willamette National Forest

Cell: (458)209-7288
[email protected]

3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite D
Springfield, OR 97477
www.fs.fed.us